What to Expect
Lake Powell's Reflection Canyon is one of the most iconic and sought after photogenic locations in the desert southwest. You'll capture the entire canyon with unobstructed views from the rim. We will spend 3 days exploring this majestic landscape aboard our 22 foot pontoon boat. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure!
Pontoon Boat Exploring
A pontoon boat will be used to access narrow canyons and store gear.
Reflection Canyon
2-4 miles of hiking along uneven, and at times, steep terrain to reach many of the locations including the Reflection Canyon viewpoint.
Flexible Itinerary
To optimize our experience, the itinerary will be kept flexible as we work with changing weather conditions and fluctuating lake levels.
Backpacking
This will be a hybrid backpacking and boat camping experience. Bringing the best of both worlds – accessibility and comfort supplies.
Astrophotography
We have timed our excursion to coincide with the new moon cycle, so if skies are clear we will be able to capture the Milky Way over some of our favorite formations!
Itinerary
Our exact itinerary will be kept very flexible to account for changing weather conditions, varying lake levels and group interest. This is simply an example of what you can expect.
Click on each day for details.
Meet at Bullfrog Marina, Lake Powell at 8AM for a short orientation session before loading the boat and heading to Reflection Canyon.
Please be sure to eat a good breakfast prior to joining the group. We will eat lunch on the boat and photograph a few points of interest along the way before reaching Reflection Canyon.
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We'll backpack up a sneaker route a couple miles to Reflection Canyon, spending the night, and photographing sunset.
Logistics
Plan to arrive at the Bullfrog Marina, in northern Lake Powell prior to 8AM on March 20, 2026.
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We recommend arriving the day before so you are well rested for our adventure! The closest major airports are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
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We will arrive back at Bullfrog Marina in the afternoon of the 22nd, so you can plan your return travel either that evening or the following morning.
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Meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided during the workshop. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies upon booking so we can prepare accordingly. Crew members aboard will take care of any and all logistics (including meal prep), so you can relax and concentrate on your photography.
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Our guides and are Wilderness First Aid certified to ensure your safety and well-being.
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​All participants should be in good physical condition, free of mobility challenges, balance issues or extreme fear of heights. You will need to be comfortable hiking 2-4 miles per day with your camera gear, along uneven and sometimes steep terrain.
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Please be prepared for any type of weather. Early Spring is generally quite comfortable with daytime highs in the 60's, and overnight lows in the 35-40ºF range. That said, desert weather is very unpredictable, and being on the lake makes it feel colder.
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We could experience strong winds, rain, thunderstorms, and much cooler temperatures. With over 10 years experience on Lake Powell, rest assured that we have the knowledge, expertise and necessary equipment to keep you safe and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.
Backpacking
We will be backing and camping two nights during this excursion, so that we can be at Reflection canyon during prime lighting conditions for both sunset and sunrise.
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On the pontoon boat, there will be room for gear and clothing bags. We will swap out into backpacking packs in between nights and resupply. Think backpacking with a little extra comfort.
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Plan lightweight with the need to carry both your overnight camping gear as well as extra water and camera equipment on steep inclines heading up to Reflection Canyon.
What’s Included
3 days, 2 nights on the pristine waters of Lake Powell
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All meals and snacks (if you have a preference for backpacker meals, please provide)
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Small boat transportation and fuel for excursions
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Photography guiding
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Starlink WIFI and battery generator for charging
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A an unforgettable experience
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from Bullfrog Marina
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Pre/Post excursion accommodations
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Backpacking pack, sleeping bag, tent, and pad (if you do need these items, please contact John to arrange to bring extra gear for you to use)
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Travel Insurance​​
Recommended Camera Gear
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Mid to lightweight tripod that can be attached to your pack.
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Mirrorless or DSLR camera
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Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider, and f2.8 or faster for night photography. You will definitely find use for an ultra-wide.
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Mid-range zoom in the 24-70mm or 24-105mm range.
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Telephoto lens in the 100-400 or 100-500 range (although not on the overnight backpacking portion).
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Circular polarizing filters.
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Extra batteries (this is particularly important as our ability to recharge batteries will be limited to when the boat generator is running), and extra memory cards. Don’t forget the battery charger and cords.
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Remote cord for your camera.
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Cleaning supplies.
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Water resistant protection in the form of a camera bag, dry bag, and backpack cover to hold your gear while in the boat.
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NOTE ON DRONES: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has the same laws as National Parks, and therefore drones are not allowed.
Personal Gear List
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Comfortable backpacking pack for hiking with your camping and camera gear
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Sturdy hiking footwear, and water shoes or hiking sandals that can get wet
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Hiking socks and long pants
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Several changes of clothes
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Rain jacket and warm wool baselayers as it will be chilly overnight and especially at sunrise. It would be a good idea to throw in a hat and gloves as well for the early morning hours.
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Headlamp (rechargable or extra batteries)
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Large 3 liter water bladder and extra water bottles for overnight.
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An extra pair of footwear in the event you get wet and muddy.